Law Council: Revenge porn must be made illegal

Law Council: Revenge porn must be made illegal

Sherele MoodyNews Corp journalist Sherele Moody started her career in the media more than 25 years ago. She reports across a broad range of topics including and has an extensive background in data analysis and statistics-based journalism. She also specialises in opinion and feature writing on gendered violence and women’s issues. Sherele is the recipient of the 2018 BandT Women in Media Social Change Maker Award and has multiple Clarion and Walkley Our Watch journalism excellence awards for her work reducing...

THE Law Council of Australia says the Federal Government must roll out new revenge porn laws for the sake of victims.

The Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee has recommended the government make "knowingly or recklessly recording or sharing intimate images without consent and/or threatening to take or share such images" illegal under Commonwealth laws.

Domestic abusers across Australia are increasingly publishing and sharing naked and sexualised images of their victims, usually by text message and/or social media.

LCA president Stuart Clark said new laws must address "the social and psychological harm" that revenge porn causes.

"Revenge pornography can have a devastating impact on a victim's life by causing severe damage to the relationships, employment opportunities, reputation and mental health of the victim," he said.

For 24-hour domestic violence support phone the hotline 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.